Jackson and Jefferson: Philosophy and the PresidencyThe presidencies of Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson were based on similar political philosophies. Both men believed that the common man had a voice in government and opposed giving too much power to the federal government. Both were educated men with extensive knowledge of the law who believed that an economy based on agriculture was the key to American economic growth. However, since they were both planters and slave owners and Jackson had signed the Indian Removal Act, it was obvious that their philosophy of defending the common man did not extend to minorities. Jefferson grew up on a wealthy tobacco plantation and Jackson, although born poor, was raised by a wealthy uncle after being orphaned at the age of fourteen. Even though they grew up in a wealthy lifestyle, they both opposed the corruption of a government that did not have the needs of each state at heart. Although their somewhat racist beliefs sparked controversy, their accomplishments during their presidency set a precedent for fair, democratic government that limited the power of the wealthy and elite. (Boyer, et. al., 2008) Jefferson's philosophy was based on the freedom of a nation, the voice of the common man being heard and heeded, the Constitution being respected, and freedom maintained through education. Since Jefferson was one of the principal authors of the Declaration of Independence, he had a strong desire to expand the territories of the United States in order to consolidate independence from Great Britain with a democratic system of government. His purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France allowed the Americans to have control of the Mississippi River for the use of...... middle of paper ...... overall, the Constitution of United States was the foundation of what they stood for and was used to enforce the rights of men against the tyrannical aristocracy that resembled the unjust monarchy of Great Britain that they were fleeing. The concepts and ideals of these two men were a giant stepping stone to the democratic government that runs America today. References Boyer, P, Clark, C, Kett, J, Salisbury, N, Sitkoff, H & Woloch, H. (2008). The Enduring Vision: A History of the American People. Boston/New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.BJ, Jackson as President: Then and Now. Papers of the planet. Retrieved June 14, 2009, from the World Wide Web: http://www.planetpapers.com/Assets/4503.phpThomas Jefferson. Papers of the planet. Retrieved June 14, 2009 from the World Wide Web: http://www.planetpapers.com/Assets/53.php